Title: Code to Zero
Author: Ken Follett
First published December 1, 2000
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451216724 (ISBN10: 0451216725)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
In Ken Follett’s Code to Zero, a man wakes up with no memory of who he is, lying on the ground of a railway station. With no idea how he got there, he is convinced he is a down-on-his-luck drunk.
However, a chance encounter with a newspaper report about a satellite launch makes him question everything. Set in 1958, the United States is eager to beat the Soviet Union in the space race and launch its own satellite.
As the man, now known as Luke Lucas, pieces together the mystery of his past, he realizes that his fate is tied to the rocket on launch pad 26B at Cape Canaveral. As he relearns the story of his life, he uncovers secrets about his loved ones and the dangerous world of Cold War espionage.
Code to Zero is a suspenseful tale of deceit, betrayal, and the race for power that will keep readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page.
About the Author
Ken Follett is a renowned author whose books have sold over 170 million copies in 80 countries and 33 languages. He was born on June 5th, 1949 in Cardiff, Wales, to a tax inspector father, and went to state schools before graduating from University College, London, with an Honours degree in Philosophy.
Later, he became a Fellow of the College in 1995.
Ken started his career as a reporter for the South Wales Echo and the London Evening News. He then worked for Everest Books, eventually becoming Deputy Managing Director.
His first major success came with his World War II thriller, Eye of the Needle, which earned him the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America. It remains one of his most popular books.
In 1989, Ken published his epic novel, The Pillars of the Earth, which tells the story of the building of a medieval cathedral. It topped best-seller lists worldwide and was adapted into a television series produced by Ridley Scott in 2010.
Its sequel, World Without End, was equally successful in 2007.
Ken’s new book, The Evening and the Morning, will be published in September 2020. It is a prequel to The Pillars of the Earth and is set around the year 1,000, when Viking invaders threatened the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Kingsbridge.
Aside from his writing, Ken is active in numerous literacy charities and was president of Dyslexia Action for ten years. He also chaired the National Year of Reading, a joint initiative between the government and businesses.
Ken is a passionate bass guitar player and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire with his wife Barbara, a former Labour Member of Parliament for Stevenage. Together, they have five children, six grandchildren, and two Labradors.
Editoral Review
Code to Zero by Ken Follett is a gripping thriller set during the height of the Cold War, first published in 2000. As an accomplished author of historical fiction, Follett brings his considerable skill to bear on this work of espionage and intrigue.
The novel centers around the character of Luke Lucas, a man who wakes up with amnesia and cannot remember who he is or why he is there. As he begins to piece together his past, he discovers that he is a scientist involved in a top-secret mission to launch a missile into space.
However, his former colleagues all seem to be hiding something, and he soon realizes that the fate of the world may rest on his ability to uncover the truth. Follett masterfully creates a tense atmosphere, with the looming threat of nuclear war constantly hanging over the characters.
The setting of the early 1960s also allows Follett to explore issues of race and gender, and the role of women in the workplace. Although some of the attitudes and prejudices of the time may feel outdated to modern readers, the novel serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made, and the work that still needs to be done.
The writing in Code to Zero is strong, with crisp dialogue and well-drawn characters. Follett takes care to develop even minor characters, making them feel fully realized and adding depth to the overall story.
The plot is full of twists and turns, which keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. One potential flaw of the novel is that it can feel a bit formulaic at times.
As a thriller, it hits all the expected beats, and readers may find themselves predicting some of the plot twists. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, Code to Zero is a well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those interested in the history of the Cold War. Follett’s skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this a highly engaging read.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read. Rating: 4.0/5.0
